Tag Archives: inspiration

With much anticipation and excitement, we are proud (and slightly giddy) to announce BHLDN’s exclusively designed collection for Wedding Paper Divas. Think feminine details mixed with graphic elements and bold florals for a truly swoon-worthy collection.

We asked the BHLDN designers a few questions to let us in on the inspiration behind their romantic collection, and unsurprisingly we fell even more in love.

The post-wedding to-do list can seem almost as long as your wedding planning list! Today we’re highlighting the top duties a newlywed must check off her list. And don’t worry; we’ve included a longer list below.

You will likely have more photos from this one day than any other day in your life. Take the time now to organize, compile, store, and share these photographs – you’ll be thankful later.

The first step is to gather together these images. Find out from your photographer when and how you will receive your photos. Most often it will be digitally, which is the best way to save your special shots. A photo Share Site is a fantastic way to gather any candid shots friends and family may have snapped during your wedding. Post a call out to friends on your social profiles to see what they can share. Often, you’ll laugh at the silly moments your guests were able to capture that the professional photographer may have missed.

Next, decide how you will share and display these photos. From hanging prints in your home to creating personalized stationery, the possibilities are endless. Our favorite way to gather together wedding day memories is with a gorgeous wedding photo book. Pull together images, add in quotes or memories, and you have a keepsake you’ll treasure forever. A photo book is a fantastic anniversary gift, if you can’t find the time to make one just after your wedding.

2. Send Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are a must for any bride, and should be one of the first items tackled after the big day. If you have a wedding registry, you can often get a head start on this by writing thank you notes as gifts are delivered in advance of the wedding.

Etiquette asks that brides wait no more than 6-8 weeks after the wedding ceremony to send thank you cards. If you are planning to send a photo thank you card with a special shot from your reception, ask your photographer to give you one or two options the day after your wedding. That way, you can order your thank you stationery as soon as possible.

Every person who attends your wedding should receive a thank you note – even if they did not bring a gift. Their presence at your wedding took time and cost, and should be recognized. It’s also a great idea to send thank you notes to your vendors.

If you are changing your name after your wedding, be sure to think through all of the possible accounts you’ll need to update. Start first with your Social Security card, your driver’s license, and your major bank accounts. Then move on to your employer, insurance companies, and other major accounts. You’ll also need to update your marital status in many of the same places, as well as beneficiary for life insurance. See our Ask Etta feature Do I Really Need to Change My Last Name?

4. Preserve Your Wedding Day Memories

Beyond photos and videos, there are other mementos from your big day that you will want to save. Start with your bridal bouquet the day after your wedding, whether you plan to preserve the entire bouquet or just dry out a handful of petals (a great keepsake to tuck into your wedding album). Hint: many brides have a special “toss” bouquet to throw to guests, and keep their bridal bouquet for themselves.

Take proper care to clean your wedding dress and veil. Find a trusted dry cleaners (with experience in cleaning wedding dresses) to take on this task for you. Then, carefully store your dress. You likely won’t be taking it out of storage too often, so limit exposure to sunlight, heat, and other damaging factors.

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Need a few more ideas of what might be left to check off? See below.

The Days After

Return all rented clothing

Return all borrowed accessories

Return all rented equipment

Contact your gift registry to have gifts delivered

Send your picture to the newspaper

For the Honeymoon

Put your mail on hold, or resume your mail service if you have already returned from your honeymoon

Turn on/ off your out of office / away message on your email

Upon Your Return

Contact your videographer for a viewing

Put any wedding photos taken personally on the internet for friends and family to see

It can be hard to find a pink or purple that doesn’t read too feminine, but we think Pantone Vivacious is the perfect answer to that. The purple undertones in this vibrant fuchsia keep your color theme from straying into the “girly” realm, even when paired with flower crowns and bows. And it lends to beautiful, rich texture in a bridal bouquet. Find elegant wedding invitations to match, and you have a stunning wedding trend!

Mother’s Day is less than a month away (May 12, if you need a reminder!), and if you are looking to do something extra special for Mom this year, it’s time to start planning.

Not only did Mom raise you, but she probably acted – or is currently – as head wedding coordinator for your special day, assisting with everything from addressing envelopes to helping with table seating. Take this Mother’s Day to share your gratitude with a gift that lets Mom know how much you appreciate everything she does.

1. Make an album she’ll cherish forever

She may have seen your wedding photos already, but pulling the very best images into one beautiful parents’ album will create a brag book Mom can share with her friends. Try to choose photos that will speak to her – a shot of her dancing, your father’s speech, or the cutting of the cake are all great memories.

2. Create a daily reminder of your love

A family photo from your wedding day is the perfect shot to put on a photo mug. If you live far away, this gift is a daily reminder of your love as your mother sips her morning tea.

3. Give a gift as unique as your bond

A photo gift makes a stunning present for Mom to display in her home. Family shots, or a photo of you and your mother, are the best to display here.

4. A special space for everyday notes

If your mother is a listmaker, help keep her to-dos extra sweet with a custom notepad. Pick a style that fits her, and match a photo from your wedding (a shot of the two of you would be extra sweet).

5. DIY a photo project

Roll up your sleeves and spend a Saturday creating these one of a kind photo vases. With just a few supplies, this simple DIY craft makes a big statement. For an extra bonus, fill them with Mom’s favorite blooms.

6. Pamper Mom with her favorite treats

For a special gift, fill a basket with luxurious treats that all have one purpose – to help Mom relax. Bath salts, candles, perfumes, and lotions are perfect for this. You can even add in an extra soft towel or robe. And we don’t think Mom would mind if you slipped in a bar or two of specialty chocolates!

From wedding invitations to reception decor, a nautical wedding theme gives a bride plenty of options – whether the wedding is seaside or not! What we love most about this wedding theme is the element of fun it brings to your special day. After all, it’s hard to stay too serious when your groomsmen are showing off their anchor socks. But don’t let the fun fool you. This classic theme offers elegant touches, from stripes to gorgeous cakes, and of course, the timeless color combination of red and blue.